DENVER, Sept. 19 (UPI) -- Jason Elam booted a 41-yard field goal with 5 seconds left in the game, as Denver defeated San Diego 20-17 in an AFC West clash at Invesco Field.
Elam, who made two field goals but had to atone for two early misses, had never missed three kicks in a game, and the veteran made sure it did not occur in this game as he split the uprights.
Jake Plummer ended 23-of-37 for 248 yards with an interception and Rod Smith caught eight passes for 63 yards for the Broncos (1-1), who have won four of the past five games in the series.
Drew Brees finished 15-of-23 for 175 yards with a pick and LaDainian Tomlinson rushed for 52 yards and a pair of scores on 19 carries for the Chargers, who began their season with two straight losses for the first time since 2003.
Tomlinson also set an NFL record by rushing for at least one touchdown in 14 straight regular-season games.
